Glossary
Spanish paperwork terms, explained
The terms the guides use, defined from verified facts, with the official source for each. Start with the pairs people most often confuse.
Often confused
NIE or TIE?
- NIE
The NIE is an identification number for foreign nationals who relate to Spain because of economic, professional or social interests. It is not a residence or work permit. [sede.policia.gob.es]
- TIE
The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the physical card that identifies a foreign national and proves their legal situation in Spain. Once you have entered Spain with your authorization, you apply for it in person at an Oficina de Extranjería or a police station, on form EX-17, with proof of paying the fee on Modelo 790 código 012. A TIE for temporary residence is valid for as long as the authorization it documents. [sede.policia.gob.es]
The TIE documents a qualifying foreigner's administrative situation; it does not create the underlying residence right. [interior.gob.es]
Cl@ve or FNMT certificate?
- Cl@ve
Cl@ve currently provides basic and advanced registration routes, and not all of them require an in-person visit. [clave.gob.es]
Basic Cl@ve registration cannot be used for every service and does not provide the same level of access as advanced registration. [clave.gob.es]
- FNMT certificate
Cl@ve and an FNMT electronic certificate are different mechanisms. A public service may accept one, both or another supported method. [clave.gob.es]
Terms
NIE
The NIE is an identification number for foreign nationals who relate to Spain because of economic, professional or social interests. It is not a residence or work permit. [sede.policia.gob.es]
TIE
The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the physical card that identifies a foreign national and proves their legal situation in Spain. Once you have entered Spain with your authorization, you apply for it in person at an Oficina de Extranjería or a police station, on form EX-17, with proof of paying the fee on Modelo 790 código 012. A TIE for temporary residence is valid for as long as the authorization it documents. [sede.policia.gob.es]
The TIE documents a qualifying foreigner's administrative situation; it does not create the underlying residence right. [interior.gob.es]
Padrón (empadronamiento)
Empadronamiento is registering the Barcelona address where you actually live on the city's padrón.
Cita previa
A cita previa is a booking mechanism, not the underlying legal application. Booking the wrong appointment does not convert it into the correct procedure. [sede.policia.gob.es]
Cl@ve
Cl@ve currently provides basic and advanced registration routes, and not all of them require an in-person visit. [clave.gob.es]
Basic Cl@ve registration cannot be used for every service and does not provide the same level of access as advanced registration. [clave.gob.es]
FNMT certificate
Cl@ve and an FNMT electronic certificate are different mechanisms. A public service may accept one, both or another supported method. [clave.gob.es]
NUSS
The Social Security number (número de la Seguridad Social, NUSS) is your personal number in Spain's Social Security system, needed before your first registration there, for example when you start a job.
The NUSS becomes the affiliation number when the person begins the relevant Social Security relationship. [seg-social.es]
TSI and CIP
The TSI identifies the holder and carries the CIP/coverage information used by Catalonia's public health system. [catsalut.gencat.cat]
IPREM
You must show, per month, 400% of IPREM for yourself and 100% of IPREM for each family member. Any means of evidence is accepted, including property deeds, certified cheques, or credit cards with a bank certificate of the credit available. [inclusion.gob.es]
The general means formula is 150% IPREM for a two-person family unit plus 50% IPREM for each additional person, subject to the current special rules involving minors/represented persons. [inclusion.gob.es]
The current financial test uses 100% IPREM monthly for the principal applicant, with the published accommodation/family adjustments. [inclusion.gob.es]
SMI
The Spanish minimum wage (salario mínimo interprofesional, SMI) for 2026 is €1,221 a month, set by Real Decreto 126/2026. [boe.es]
Guide: Get Spain's digital nomad visa (international teleworker)
Modelo 790 código 012
The Policía Nacional's EX-19 procedure lists proof of paying the fee on Modelo 790 código 012 among the documents to bring. [sede.policia.gob.es]
Guide: Get residence as a non-EU family member of an EU citizen
Homologación and equivalencia
Spain recognises foreign university degrees through two different procedures: homologación, for a regulated profession, and equivalencia, for an academic level or field.
Homologación and equivalencia are different procedures with different purposes; homologación is not automatically the right route for every foreign graduate. [ciencia.gob.es]
Arraigo
This page covers the ordinary arraigo routes: social, sociolaboral, socioformativo, familiar and segunda oportunidad. Each is a temporary residence authorisation for exceptional circumstances with its own conditions. For arraigo social, the applicant must be in Spain, be a national of a country outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland, hold no current stay or residence authorisation and have no application for one in progress. [inclusion.gob.es]
Autónomo
Registering as autónomo means two registrations before you start working for yourself: the tax census with the Agencia Tributaria on Modelo 036 (Modelo 037 was abolished in February 2025), and the self-employed scheme with Social Security (TGSS).
Guide: Register as self-employed for tax and Social Security